What does "courtesy" mean?
Polite behavior.
Courtesy
/ˈkɜːtəsi/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Polite behavior.
- Grammar: courtesy is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: act civilly, act of courtesy, act of grace, act of kindness.
- Useful contrasts: abrasive tone, most slurring, abrasiveness.
- Usage evidence: The President did me the courtesy of replying to my letter.
How to use "courtesy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "courtesy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "courtesy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "courtesy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "courtesy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "courtesy" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "act civilly" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "courtesy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Polite behavior. uncountable
"Please extend them the courtesy of your presence."
- 2 a courteous or respectful or considerate act wordnet
- 3 A polite gesture or remark, especially as opposed to an obligation or standard practice. countable
"I offered them a ride simply as a courtesy."
- 4 a courteous manner wordnet
- 5 Consent or agreement in spite of fact; indulgence. uncountable
"They call this pond a lake by courtesy only."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 a courteous or respectful or considerate remark wordnet
- 7 Willingness or generosity in providing something needed. uncountable
"They received free advertising through the courtesy of the local newspaper."
- 8 A curtsey. countable, dated, uncountable
"The lady drops a courtesy in token of obedience, and the ceremony proceeds as usual."
- 9 The life interest that the surviving husband has in the real or heritable estate of his wife. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 Alternative form of curtsey. alt-of, alternative
Adjective
- 1 Given or done as a polite gesture. not-comparable
"We paid a courtesy visit to the new neighbors."
- 2 Supplied free of charge. not-comparable
"The event planners offered courtesy tickets for the reporters."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The President did me the courtesy of replying to my letter."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "courtesy"?
Common synonyms include: act civilly, act of courtesy, act of grace, act of kindness, admiration, adoration.
How do you use "courtesy" in a sentence?
The President did me the courtesy of replying to my letter.
How do you pronounce "courtesy"?
Pronounced /ˈkɜːtəsi/.
Etymology
From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous + -y (abstract noun suffix).